Garage sale supports non-profit: 'Just to have that type of support'

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SPRINGFIELD, Ore. -- For some, summer Saturdays are spent checking out the various garage and yard sales scattered around the Eugene-Springfield area. One local non-profit kept that Saturday tradition alive by hosting a massive sale to help children with special needs.

Vendors paid at least $10 to the “A-Team Justice League", a local non-profit organization supporting the families of special needs children, to open up a table in the garage sale at The ARC of Lane County.

“A-Team” mother and board member C.J. Shipley was one of the many people selling at Saturday’s event. She said fundraisers like these help empower families by helping them pay things their insurance might not cover.

“It's the camaraderie between the parents… and just to have that type of support group,” Shipley said.

Vanessa Truett, one of the founders of the A-Team Justice League, said many special needs children use equipment that can often be expensive if it isn't covered by insurance.

"I myself, as well as a lot of moms here have found the benefit of technology has brought to our children with special needs… as a vehicle for communication. A lot of our kids have barriers to communication,” said Truett.